1. The first week of August is nearly gone and I am still thinking it is July. It is hard to let go of a great month.
2. I think I'll buy something from Chick-fil A today--just because. Did that whole political outcry backfire, or what?
3. Do we like Michael Phelps more because he is from Baltimore? Perhaps. The most decorated Olympian of all time--not a bad signature block.
4. Well it is off to work again. Balancing work and life is one of the most difficult things that I do. Sometimes I spend too much time at work, but at other times, I want to spend too much time at home.
5. Watching the Olympics events, I continue to marvel at the dedication of the athletes. The sacrifices they make to become the best in the world are incredible.
6. Weird events in history--on this day in 1967, the Orioles Brooks Robinson hit into a record 4th triple play.
7. When we hit our lowest point we are open to the greatest challenge. Aang
8. Mars--the red planet continues to intrigue. NASA and the US is there again. Way to go for Curiosity and a safe landing. Now, let's find those pesky Martians!
9. Is where we grew up the same as where we are from?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, August 6, 2012
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Heat, Sweat, and Saturday
It was hot and humid yesterday. Almost too hot for working around outside--but that is exactly what I did. I mean, I am the crazy that vacations in Florida during the summer.
The stairs on the deck are still screaming to be finished--so I worked on them. Chris power washed the exterior of the house to remove the built up grime that just is a part of life.
She at least had the cooler job although she did have to play like a monkey on the ladder.
The rails for the stairs are not yet done. It was slow, tedious work requiring lots of measurements and cutting. I used both my table saw (Shop Smith), my compound mitre, and my jig saw to at various times during the day to fit in the pieces.
We also discovered that one of our hoses needs replacing as do the connectors on the others. It made hooking them together quite an experience.
The house looks good and the stairs are getting closer. I even have one baluster installed--just to see how it looks and how the final project will come together.
This project certainly has dragged on for over two months. But, I guess when vacations, surgery, and other activities are considered, at least we are still making progress. I just want to be able to say that it is finally done though.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
The stairs on the deck are still screaming to be finished--so I worked on them. Chris power washed the exterior of the house to remove the built up grime that just is a part of life.
She at least had the cooler job although she did have to play like a monkey on the ladder.
The rails for the stairs are not yet done. It was slow, tedious work requiring lots of measurements and cutting. I used both my table saw (Shop Smith), my compound mitre, and my jig saw to at various times during the day to fit in the pieces.
 |
| Stairs Near Completion |
We also discovered that one of our hoses needs replacing as do the connectors on the others. It made hooking them together quite an experience.
The house looks good and the stairs are getting closer. I even have one baluster installed--just to see how it looks and how the final project will come together.
This project certainly has dragged on for over two months. But, I guess when vacations, surgery, and other activities are considered, at least we are still making progress. I just want to be able to say that it is finally done though.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Olympics Reflection - Near the Mid-point
They are everywhere it seems, the Olympians, the news, the papers, even the social pages. We were out to dinner in Fells Point last evening and the people in the restaurant were asking about how often Michael Phelps visits.
He lives nearby.
I was watching a ping pong match on TV. Why? Just because it was on and there was an American playing. Poorly.
It is nice to see and hear so many people interested in the team representing our country on the world stage. I was even happy to see that the US Team medal count finally crept in front of China--both in terms of total medals and gold medals.
So far, it has been a pretty much a swimming show--but we are transitioning into the track and field part of the Olympics.
But the swimmers have been fantastic.
Why aren't baseball or racquetball Olympic sports?
Who knows. But then neither are cricket or squash. But handball? Rugby? They are. And most Americans don't even know what handball is. And it is not two people in a court whacking at a ball with their hands, either.
I could complain about the TV coverage--but why? It is what it is. We live in a world run not by politics, but by corporations.
So--press on American Team. There are a lot of events yet to be played out. Do your best and make those of us back home proud.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
He lives nearby.
I was watching a ping pong match on TV. Why? Just because it was on and there was an American playing. Poorly.
It is nice to see and hear so many people interested in the team representing our country on the world stage. I was even happy to see that the US Team medal count finally crept in front of China--both in terms of total medals and gold medals.
So far, it has been a pretty much a swimming show--but we are transitioning into the track and field part of the Olympics.
But the swimmers have been fantastic.
Why aren't baseball or racquetball Olympic sports?
Who knows. But then neither are cricket or squash. But handball? Rugby? They are. And most Americans don't even know what handball is. And it is not two people in a court whacking at a ball with their hands, either.
I could complain about the TV coverage--but why? It is what it is. We live in a world run not by politics, but by corporations.
So--press on American Team. There are a lot of events yet to be played out. Do your best and make those of us back home proud.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Friday, August 3, 2012
Prince Michel Vineyard - Review
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| Wine on the Vine at Prince Michel |
The winery is well marked--I believe the first sign is about 8 miles form the entrance, but it comes up very quickly. Don't panic though if you miss the first driveway, there is a second on just past the building and at the bottom of a small road.
As always, check the website for current hours, but one advantage for this winery is that it opens at 10 am on Saturdays and Sundays, making it one of the early openers in the area. This means that driving from the Baltimore area, I am usually driving by the winery right as it opens.
The self guided tour of the wine making process is well planned and allows a nice behind the scenes view of the process. The wine tasting area is large and also contains a large assortment of wine related items which can be purchased.
The wines are good. I found the whites to be the best. Especially noteworthy was the 2009 Chardonnay, which I thought was an especially good value.
Enjoy Prince Michel. Stop and get a day of wine tasting started.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Thursday, August 2, 2012
White Hall Vineyard - Review
Along the Monticello Wine Trail, one of the vineyards we visited was White Hall Vineyard. The winery is on the Northern Monticello Trail and a bit of a drive (OK, maybe 15 minutes) to get there but we were rewarded with some very drinkable wines and a generally good time at a very nice facility.
The whites are very nice, I especially enjoyed the German-style wines like Gewürztraminer, Petit Manseng, and Chardonnay. They also had a nice Bordeaux blend, Cuvee de Champs, which was very enjoyable. I found the remainder of their extensive red wine offerings to be somewhat light and thin. I found the 2010 Pinot Gris and the 2010 Viognier to be good, but not exceptional as compared to other wineries in the region.
The facility is really enjoyable and on the Saturday we visited there was live music to accompany the tasting the wines.
The wine tasting area in in the middle of a large, nicely sized, modern building which serves create an enjoyable atmosphere for wine tasting. The server was knowledgeable of the wines and the grapes form which they were made or blended.
The overall experience was pleasant and I recommend this winery as a stop on a Monticello Wine Trail tasting day.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
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| White Hall Vineyard Tasting Room |
The whites are very nice, I especially enjoyed the German-style wines like Gewürztraminer, Petit Manseng, and Chardonnay. They also had a nice Bordeaux blend, Cuvee de Champs, which was very enjoyable. I found the remainder of their extensive red wine offerings to be somewhat light and thin. I found the 2010 Pinot Gris and the 2010 Viognier to be good, but not exceptional as compared to other wineries in the region.
The facility is really enjoyable and on the Saturday we visited there was live music to accompany the tasting the wines.
The wine tasting area in in the middle of a large, nicely sized, modern building which serves create an enjoyable atmosphere for wine tasting. The server was knowledgeable of the wines and the grapes form which they were made or blended.
The overall experience was pleasant and I recommend this winery as a stop on a Monticello Wine Trail tasting day.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Next Ban Churches--The Chick-fil A Controversy Continues
I am stunned by the insensitivity and the ignorance of so many political leaders. I believe the current vilification of Dan Cathy and his successful Chick-fil A corporation for saying what he believes demonstrates the true level of threat to civil liberties in America today.
What he said according to the Washington Times:
The current hysteria began after Mr. Cathy, son of the chain’s founder, gave an interview that ran in the Baptist Press on July 16. Mr. Cathynoted that Chick-fil-A’s management is “based on biblical principles, asking God and pleading with God to give us wisdom on decisions we make about people and the programs and partnerships we have. And He has blessed us.” When asked about the company’s positions in support of marriage and family, Mr. Cathy went on to say, “Well, guilty as charged. We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit.”
He never said anything overt about gay marriage as the hysteria (I like that word) would have us believe. He made statements that many Americans relate to and believe.
Now it is a crime to say these First Amendment protected things?
The response (also from the Washington Times)
Acting more like Benito Mussolini than Paul Revere, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said he will block Chick-fil-A from opening a restaurant in his city. Chicago Alderman Proco Joe Moreno said he will stop Chick-fil-A from building its second Chicago store. In Philadelphia, Councilman James F. Kenney sent a letter to Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy advising his company to “take a hike and take your intolerance with you.” Meanwhile, the Jim Henson Co., owner of the Muppets, has canceled a deal to provide toys for Chick-fil-A kids’ meals. This is just the beginning.
Even more concerning is what the former White House Chief of Staff, now Mayor of Chicago said as quoted in the Washington Times:
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel took exception: “What the COO has said as it relates to gay marriage and gay couples is not what I believe. But more importantly, it’s not what the people of the city of Chicago believe.”
Hmm. So, Mr Emanuel, do you propose to ban churches next? I guess it is good to have free speech rights as long as they don't disagree with the Mayor's.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
What he said according to the Washington Times:
The current hysteria began after Mr. Cathy, son of the chain’s founder, gave an interview that ran in the Baptist Press on July 16. Mr. Cathynoted that Chick-fil-A’s management is “based on biblical principles, asking God and pleading with God to give us wisdom on decisions we make about people and the programs and partnerships we have. And He has blessed us.” When asked about the company’s positions in support of marriage and family, Mr. Cathy went on to say, “Well, guilty as charged. We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit.”
He never said anything overt about gay marriage as the hysteria (I like that word) would have us believe. He made statements that many Americans relate to and believe.
Now it is a crime to say these First Amendment protected things?
The response (also from the Washington Times)
Acting more like Benito Mussolini than Paul Revere, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said he will block Chick-fil-A from opening a restaurant in his city. Chicago Alderman Proco Joe Moreno said he will stop Chick-fil-A from building its second Chicago store. In Philadelphia, Councilman James F. Kenney sent a letter to Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy advising his company to “take a hike and take your intolerance with you.” Meanwhile, the Jim Henson Co., owner of the Muppets, has canceled a deal to provide toys for Chick-fil-A kids’ meals. This is just the beginning.
Even more concerning is what the former White House Chief of Staff, now Mayor of Chicago said as quoted in the Washington Times:
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel took exception: “What the COO has said as it relates to gay marriage and gay couples is not what I believe. But more importantly, it’s not what the people of the city of Chicago believe.”
Hmm. So, Mr Emanuel, do you propose to ban churches next? I guess it is good to have free speech rights as long as they don't disagree with the Mayor's.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Charlottesville Vineyards - An Overview
I reviewed the activities of this past weekend and noted that I visited seven vineyards and Monticello between 7:30AM Saturday morning and 1PM Sunday afternoon.
I had no ideas that we had fulfilled such an aggressive schedule.
The wineries were:
Prince Michel
King Family
White Hall
Stinson
Keswick
Barboursville
Jefferson
Drinkable wines were found at each of the vineyards and were I especially impressed by my first ever visit to White Hall Vineyard. Stinson Vineyard was another winery I visited for the first time as well.
Wine is a great hobby. And it is a hobby that is easily enjoyed with friends and family. It can be contagious and there is something for everyone.
I still have this irrational idea that I want to write a guide to the vineyards of the Monticello wine making region. I seem to visit a lot of the wineries and enjoy meeting the owners and wine makers and discussing the grapes and the wines.
Do I have my favorites? Certainly. But my favorites can vary significantly from someone else. I prefer nice, complex red wines--but many of the vineyards are producing exceptional white wines, which I also appreciate.
The 30 wineries and vineyards which comprise the Monticello Appellation of Virginia are divided into trails. Prince Michel is considered to be one of the Northern Gateway vineyards. King Family, White Hall, and Stinson are part of the Northern Trail along with a few other wineries. Keswick and Barboursville are part of the Eastern Trail while Jefferson is part of the Southern Trail. In my mind, it is possible to comfortable visit all of the wineries on one trail in a day.
I never seem to do anything the easy way however. I like to jump around during the limited time that I have to ensure that I visit my favorites--which of course are not all on the same trail.
It it just fun to get out and see the "wine on the vine" and realize that the vineyards are not just growing grapes--they are in the business of producing wines. And tasting the end result of the growing and the wine making is often like experiencing a piece of art.
Each winemaker places their own personal stamp on the wines and that is the great fun of visiting multiple wineries--to find winemakers who produce wines that I enjoy.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
I had no ideas that we had fulfilled such an aggressive schedule.
 |
| Grapes Ripening at Prince Michel Vineyards |
The wineries were:
Prince Michel
King Family
White Hall
Stinson
Keswick
Barboursville
Jefferson
Drinkable wines were found at each of the vineyards and were I especially impressed by my first ever visit to White Hall Vineyard. Stinson Vineyard was another winery I visited for the first time as well.
Wine is a great hobby. And it is a hobby that is easily enjoyed with friends and family. It can be contagious and there is something for everyone.
I still have this irrational idea that I want to write a guide to the vineyards of the Monticello wine making region. I seem to visit a lot of the wineries and enjoy meeting the owners and wine makers and discussing the grapes and the wines.
Do I have my favorites? Certainly. But my favorites can vary significantly from someone else. I prefer nice, complex red wines--but many of the vineyards are producing exceptional white wines, which I also appreciate.
The 30 wineries and vineyards which comprise the Monticello Appellation of Virginia are divided into trails. Prince Michel is considered to be one of the Northern Gateway vineyards. King Family, White Hall, and Stinson are part of the Northern Trail along with a few other wineries. Keswick and Barboursville are part of the Eastern Trail while Jefferson is part of the Southern Trail. In my mind, it is possible to comfortable visit all of the wineries on one trail in a day.
I never seem to do anything the easy way however. I like to jump around during the limited time that I have to ensure that I visit my favorites--which of course are not all on the same trail.
It it just fun to get out and see the "wine on the vine" and realize that the vineyards are not just growing grapes--they are in the business of producing wines. And tasting the end result of the growing and the wine making is often like experiencing a piece of art.
Each winemaker places their own personal stamp on the wines and that is the great fun of visiting multiple wineries--to find winemakers who produce wines that I enjoy.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, July 30, 2012
Monday Musings - July 30, 2012
1. Heard as part of a discussion about what is wrong with the state of politics in America: "The problem is that one party is all about helping the rich and sticking it to the middle class, while the other is all about helping out the poor and sticking it to the middle class."
2. The political season is getting worse--it seems that both candidates for president want us to believe that the only vision we need is that we don't want the other guy.
3. Every time I visit Monticello, I gain new respect for Jefferson and learn some really interesting fact. This time I noticed for the first time the clock on a shelf above the foot of his bed. So he could see the time as soon as the room was light enough from the sun to see the clock's hands.
4. Doctor it hurts when I do this. Don't do that, then.
5. Mike took a fantastic image of Monticello on his phone--here it is for you to enjoy as well. The reflection in the pool was just priceless. And notice how many people are hanging around.
6. Olympics and nationalism seem to go together.
7. Who else noticed that two of the biggest sports in the US are not in the Olympics: Baseball and Football? For that matter, neither is Racquetball.
8. July is ending and hopefully the O's will begin to win more than they are losing.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
2. The political season is getting worse--it seems that both candidates for president want us to believe that the only vision we need is that we don't want the other guy.
 |
| Monticello, July 29, 2012 Taken by Mike Haslup |
3. Every time I visit Monticello, I gain new respect for Jefferson and learn some really interesting fact. This time I noticed for the first time the clock on a shelf above the foot of his bed. So he could see the time as soon as the room was light enough from the sun to see the clock's hands.
4. Doctor it hurts when I do this. Don't do that, then.
5. Mike took a fantastic image of Monticello on his phone--here it is for you to enjoy as well. The reflection in the pool was just priceless. And notice how many people are hanging around.
6. Olympics and nationalism seem to go together.
7. Who else noticed that two of the biggest sports in the US are not in the Olympics: Baseball and Football? For that matter, neither is Racquetball.
8. July is ending and hopefully the O's will begin to win more than they are losing.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Charlottesville; Wine, History
In Charlottesville, Virginia, again this weekend I am reminded of how much history is packaged into the area alongside all of the wine makers that we enjoy.
We drove past a roadside marker yesterday proclaiming the birthplace of Meriwether Lewis. Who? We began trying to connect the name with historical significance. Well, it was obvious after a few moments. Charlottesville, Jefferson, Louisiana Purchase--aha moment!
Lewis and Clark of course. Who knew he even had a first name.
And of course, most people think that Clark's first name is Lewis, right? It is really William.
And then there is the wine, Jefferson is very connected to wine and was always trying to introduce European wine stock into America, unsuccessfully. But nonetheless, the historical connection of wine to Jefferson cannot be ignored.
And then there is the wine. Two more wineries that we visited for the first time that I will be writing about in the near future. Part of the Monticello Western Trail: Stinson and White Hall.
What could be better than a weekend trip?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
We drove past a roadside marker yesterday proclaiming the birthplace of Meriwether Lewis. Who? We began trying to connect the name with historical significance. Well, it was obvious after a few moments. Charlottesville, Jefferson, Louisiana Purchase--aha moment!
Lewis and Clark of course. Who knew he even had a first name.
And of course, most people think that Clark's first name is Lewis, right? It is really William.
And then there is the wine, Jefferson is very connected to wine and was always trying to introduce European wine stock into America, unsuccessfully. But nonetheless, the historical connection of wine to Jefferson cannot be ignored.
And then there is the wine. Two more wineries that we visited for the first time that I will be writing about in the near future. Part of the Monticello Western Trail: Stinson and White Hall.
What could be better than a weekend trip?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
My Youngest Child
For this mornings post I am going to tell the world about my youngest child. Man that kid is great. He is without a doubt the best looking of all my children. Seriously, where did he come from? He is so much better looking than I am, sometimes I doubt how he could possibly be mine. Intelligence? Oh he has that in SPADES. Every time that I come across something truly perplexing I turn to him. Typically he figures these things out within seconds. Sometimes when I leave my blog logged in he handles that for me too. That kids got moxie!
Oh also that typical stuff about loving life and my other children. Yeah they are okay too...I guess.
(guest written by Patrick!)
Oh also that typical stuff about loving life and my other children. Yeah they are okay too...I guess.
(guest written by Patrick!)
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